Banknote processing machine

ABSTRACT

A banknote processing machine which can be set to a banknote putting-in one by one mode and a banknote putting-in collectively mode and can reliably keep a state of the banknote putting-in one by one mode is provided. An opening regulating member is provided which sets an opening size of an inlet in a put-in banknote thickness direction to an opening size for putting banknotes in one by one and an opening size for putting banknotes in collectively. A fixing unit fixes the opening regulating member to a position of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one and regulates setting the position of the opening regulating member to the position of the opening size for putting banknotes in collectively. In the case of an operator unused to the operation, the banknote putting-in one by one mode is adopted to reduce a banknote jam in depositing. In the case of an operator used to the operation of banknote replenishment, the banknote putting-in collectively mode is adopted to improve efficiency in the banknote replenishment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a U.S. national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/JP2007/059643 filed May 10,2007. The International Application was published on Nov. 20, 2008 asInternational Publication No. WO/2008/139584 under PCT Article 21(2) thecontents of these applications are incorporated herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a banknote processing machine whichenables a plurality of banknotes to be put in an inlet one by one orcollectively.

BACKGROUND ART

There exists a banknote processing machine which has been conventionallyused for a so-called banknote changer for a cash register which isconnected to, for example, a POS cash register to automatically performdepositing and dispensing of banknotes and in which banknotes forreplenishment are put by specified clerks.

In such a banknote processing machine, an inlet, in which banknotes tobe deposited are put, is used as a replenishment port in which banknotesfor replenishment are put (see, for example, Japanese Laid-open PatentPublication No. 10-49753 (p. 5, FIG. 3), and a plurality of banknotescan be put in collectively and processed for improving work efficiency.Thus, an operator used to the operation can perform other work whilecollectively putting a plurality of banknotes for replenishment in theport.

However, in the banknote processing machine enabling collectivelyputting in and processing a plurality of banknotes, when an operatorunused to the operation collectively puts a plurality of banknotes inthe port with the banknotes not aligned, a banknote jam is easily causedin a feeding mechanism or transporting mechanism in the banknoteprocessing machine. Particularly, when Euro banknotes or Chinesebanknotes, which have sizes very different for each denomination, arehandled, directions of a plurality of small banknotes, which are stackedand hidden behind large banknotes, are sometimes different from eachother. When the banknotes in this state are collectively put in theinlet, the small banknotes are obliquely taken in, thereby easilycausing a banknote jam in the feeding mechanism or transportingmechanism in the banknote processing machine.

Additionally, for preventing a banknote jam, it is considered thatbanknotes are restrictively put in one by one. For example, thethicknesses of put-in banknotes are detected, and a banknote having athickness out of regulation may be returned (see, for example, JapaneseLaid-open Patent Publication No. 2002-32816 (p. 4, FIG. 1)).

However, when a plurality of banknotes are restrictively put in one byone, it takes a lot of time, in banknote replenishment, to put in alarge number of banknotes.

Thereupon, an opening regulating member is turnably provided at an inletso that an operator can arbitrarily change the size of the inlet. Anoperator unused to the operation narrows the inlet to put banknotestherein one by one, and an operator used to the operation widens theinlet to collectively put a plurality of banknotes therein. Thus, abanknote jam due to collectively putting in a plurality of banknotes bythe operator unused to the operation is prevented, and furtherreplenishment work is made efficient due to collectively putting in aplurality of banknotes by the operator used to the operation (see, forexample, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-236108 (p. 5,FIG. 4) (“JP '108”)).

By using the technique disclosed in the above JP '108, it is possible touse a mode of urging putting banknotes in one by one, in normaldepositing, or a mode of collectively putting in a plurality ofbanknotes, in banknote replenishment.

However, since an opening regulating member for changing the size of aninlet is freely turnable and anyone can adopt the mode of collectivelyputting in a plurality of banknotes by lifting up the opening regulatingmember, a banknote jam due to, for example, collectively putting in aplurality of banknotes by an operator unused to the operation cannot becompletely prevented.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, andaims to provide a banknote processing machine capable of reliablypreventing a banknote jam while keeping work efficiency by a banknoteputting-in collectively mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A banknote processing machine according to the present inventionincludes: an inlet in which a plurality of banknotes can be putcollectively; an opening regulating member for setting an opening sizeof the inlet in a put-in banknote thickness direction to an opening sizefor putting banknotes in one by one and an opening size for puttingbanknotes in collectively at the least; and a fixing unit capable offixing the opening regulating member to a position of the opening sizefor putting banknotes in one by one at the least.

With a banknote processing machine according to the present invention,the fixing unit includes a locking unit for fixing the openingregulating member to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one at the least, and a keying unit for operatingthe locking unit into a fixing state and a fixation releasing state.

With a banknote processing machine according to the present invention,in the banknote processing machine the fixing unit releases fixation ofthe opening regulating member and can set a position of the openingregulating member to a position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in collectively when it is checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively by an authorizationchecking unit for checking whether an operator has authorization forputting banknotes in collectively.

With a banknote processing machine according to the present invention,in the banknote processing machine the fixing unit releases fixation ofthe opening regulating member and can set the position of the openingregulating member to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in collectively when it is checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively by the authorizationchecking unit for checking whether an operator has authorization forputting banknotes in collectively and then an operation unit for issuingan instruction of putting banknotes in collectively is operated.

With a banknote processing machine according to the present invention,the opening regulating member is movably provided between the positionof the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one and the positionof the opening size for putting banknotes in collectively, and thefixing unit includes a fixing member capable of fixing the openingregulating member to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one, and a driving unit for moving the fixing memberto a fixing position and fixation releasing position of the openingregulating member.

With a banknote processing machine according to the present invention,there are provided: a feeding mechanism for separating and feedingbanknotes put in the inlet to a transport unit one by one; an openingregulating member position detecting unit for detecting that the openingregulating member is located at the position of the opening size forputting banknotes in one by one; and a controlling unit which, when itis checked that an operator has no authorization for putting banknotesin collectively by the authorization checking unit for checking whetheran operator has authorization for putting banknotes in collectively,operates the feeding mechanism if the opening regulating member positiondetecting unit detects the opening regulating member, and does notoperate the feeding mechanism if the opening regulating member positiondetecting unit does not detect the opening regulating member.

With a banknote processing machine, the opening regulating member ismovable in the put-in banknote thickness direction of the inlet, thefixing unit includes a driving unit for moving the opening regulatingmember in the put-in banknote thickness direction of the inlet, and acontrolling unit is provided which controls the driving unit to move theopening regulating member to the position of the opening size forputting banknotes in one by one and the position of the opening size forputting banknotes in collectively at the least.

With a banknote processing machine according to the present invention,there are provided; a banknote putting-in detecting unit for detectingbanknotes put in the inlet; a feeding mechanism for separating andfeeding banknotes put in the inlet to a transport unit one by one; abanknote passage detecting unit for detecting passage of the banknotefed to the transport unit by the feeding mechanism; and a controllingunit for operating the feeding mechanism until the banknote putting-indetecting unit detects no banknote, in the case where it is checked thatan operator has authorization for putting banknotes in collectively bythe authorization checking unit for checking whether an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, and for operatingthe feeding mechanism, and then stopping operation of the feedingmechanism when the banknote passage detecting unit detects passage ofone banknote, in the case where it is checked an operator has noauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively.

A banknote processing machine according to the present inventionincludes: an inlet in which a plurality of banknotes can be putcollectively; a banknote putting-in detecting unit for detectingbanknotes put in the inlet; a feeding mechanism for separating andfeeding banknotes put in the inlet to a transport unit one by one; abanknote passage detecting unit for detecting passage of the banknotefed to the transport unit by the feeding mechanism; and a controllingunit for operating the feeding mechanism until the banknote putting-indetecting unit detects no banknote, in the case where it is checked thatan operator has authorization for putting banknotes in collectively bythe authorization checking unit for checking whether an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, and for operatingthe feeding mechanism, and then stopping operation of the feedingmechanism when the banknote passage detecting unit detects passage ofone banknote, in the case where it is checked an operator has noauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively.

With a banknote processing machine according to the present invention,the controlling unit, in the case where it is checked an operator has noauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively by the authorizationchecking unit, stops operation of the feeding mechanism when thebanknote passage detecting unit detects passage of a banknote, andthereafter operates the feeding mechanism if the banknote putting-indetecting unit re-detects a banknote after banknote detection isstopped.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention,since an opening regulating member for setting an opening size of aninlet in a put-in banknote thickness direction to an opening size forputting banknotes in one by one and an opening size for puttingbanknotes in collectively at the least can be fixed to a position of theopening size for putting banknotes in one by one at the least by afixing unit, setting of a position of the opening regulating member to aposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in collectively canbe reliably regulated. Thus, for example, in the case of an operatorunused to the operation, a banknote jam in depositing can be reducedwith use of a banknote putting-in one by one mode, and in the case of anoperator used to the operation of performing banknote replenishment,etc., efficiency of the banknote replenishment can be improved with useof a banknote putting-in collectively mode.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention, inaddition to the effect of the banknote processing machine above, only anoperator having authorization for putting banknotes in collectively canchange a position of the opening regulating member with use of a keyingunit, because the fixing unit includes: a locking unit capable of fixingthe opening regulating member to the position of the opening size forputting banknotes in one by one at the least; and the keying unit foroperating the locking unit into a fixing state and a fixation releasingstate.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention, inaddition to the effect of the banknote processing machine above, when itis checked that an operator has authorization for putting banknotes incollectively by an authorization checking unit for checking whether anoperator has authorization for putting banknotes in collectively, onlythe operator having authorization for putting banknotes in collectivelycan change the position of the opening regulating member, because thefixing unit releases fixation of the opening regulating member and canset the position of the opening regulating member to the position of theopening size for putting banknotes in collectively.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention,when an operation unit for issuing an instruction of putting banknotesin collectively is operated after it has been checked that an operatorhas authorization for putting banknotes in collectively by theauthorization checking unit for checking whether an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, only the operatorhaving authorization for putting banknotes in collectively can changethe position of the opening regulating member, because the fixing unitreleases fixation of the opening regulating member and can set theposition of the opening regulating member to the position of the openingsize for putting banknotes in collectively.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention, inaddition to the effect of the banknote processing machine above, thefixing unit can automatically fix the opening regulating member to theposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one andrelease the fixation when it is checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, because the fixingunit includes a fixing member capable of fixing the opening regulatingmember to the position of the opening size for putting banknotes in oneby one, and a driving unit for moving the fixing member to a fixingposition and fixation releasing position of the opening regulatingmember.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention,when it is checked that an operator has no authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively by the authorization checking unit forchecking whether an operator has authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, a feeding mechanism is operated and one banknote is fed toa transport unit if the opening regulating member position detectingunit detects the opening regulating member is located at the position ofthe opening size for putting banknotes in one by one, and the feedingmechanism is not operated and a banknote jam due to putting banknotes incollectively can be prevented if the opening regulating member positiondetecting unit does not detect the opening regulating member is locatedat the position of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention, inaddition to the effect of the banknote processing machine above, thefixing unit can automatically change the position of the openingregulating member when it is checked that an operator has authorizationfor putting banknotes in collectively, because the fixing unit includesa driving unit for moving the opening regulating member to the positionof the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one and the positionof the opening size for putting banknotes in collectively at the least.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention,only one banknote can be fed to a transport unit even if a plurality ofbanknotes are collectively put in the inlet, because when it is checkedthat an operator has authorization for putting banknotes in collectivelyby the authorization checking unit for checking whether an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, the feedingmechanism is operated, banknotes put in the inlet are separated and fedto the transport unit one by one, and the feeding mechanism iscontinuously operated until a banknote putting-in detecting unitprovided at the inlet detects no banknote if a plurality of banknotesare collectively put in the inlet; and when it is checked that anoperator has no authorization for putting banknotes in collectively, thefeeding mechanism is operated, banknotes put in the inlet are separatedand fed one by one to the transport unit, and the feeding mechanism isstopped when a banknote passage detecting unit provided on the transportunit detects passage of one banknote.

According to a banknote processing machine of the present invention, inthe case of, for example, an operator unused to the operation, abanknote jam in depositing can be reduced with use of a banknoteputting-in one by one mode, and in the case of an operator used to theoperation of performing banknote replenishment, etc., efficiency of thebanknote replenishment can be improved with use of a banknote putting-incollectively mode, because in the case where its is checked that anoperator has authorization for putting banknotes in collectively by theauthorization checking unit for checking whether an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, the feedingmechanism is operated, banknotes put in an inlet are separated and fedto a transport unit one by one, and the feeding mechanism iscontinuously operated until a banknote putting-in detecting unitprovided at the inlet detects no banknote if a plurality of banknotesare collectively put in the inlet, and in the case where it is checkedthat an operator has no authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, the feeding mechanism is operated, banknotes put in theinlet are separated and fed one by one to the transport unit, andoperation of the feeding mechanism is stopped when a banknote passagedetecting unit provided on the transport unit detects passage of onebanknote, and thus only one banknote can be fed to the transport uniteven if a plurality of banknotes are collectively put in the inlet.

According to a banknote processing machine, in addition to the effect ofthe banknote processing machine above, one banknote can be further fedto the transport unit by re-putting-in a banknote in the case where itis checked that an operator has no authorization for putting banknotesin collectively by the authorization checking unit, because operation ofthe feeding mechanism is stopped when the banknote passage detectingunit provided on the transport unit detects passage of a banknote, andthereafter the feeding mechanism is operated if the banknote putting-indetecting unit detects a banknote which is re-put in the inlet by theoperator after the operator has taken out banknotes remaining in theinlet and the banknote putting-in detecting unit has detected nobanknote.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Each of FIG. 1( a) and (b) shows a banknote processing machine of anembodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1( a) is a perspective view ofa state where an opening regulating member is detached from an inlet,and FIG. 1( b) is a perspective view of a state where the openingregulating member is fixed to a position of an opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the opening regulating member.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a feeding mechanism and transport unit ofthe banknote processing machine.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the banknote processing machine.

FIG. 5 is a structural view of the banknote processing machine.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the banknote processing machine.

FIG. 7 shows a banknote processing machine of another embodiment of thepresent invention and is a perspective view of a state where an openingregulating member is opened from the inlet.

Each of FIG. 8( a) and (b) shows a banknote processing machine of afurther embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8( a) is a side viewof a state where an opening regulating member is fixed to the positionof the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one, and FIG. 8( b)is a side view of a state where the opening regulating member is movedto a position of an opening size for putting banknotes in collectively.

Each of FIG. 9( a) and (b) shows a banknote processing machine ofanother embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9( a) is a side viewof a state where an opening regulating member is fixed to the positionof the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one, and FIG. 9( b)is a side view of a state where the opening regulating member is movedto the position of the opening size for putting banknotes incollectively.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a feeding mechanism and transport unit ofa banknote processing machine of a further embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the vicinity of an inlet of a banknoteprocessing machine of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the vicinity of the inlet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, a banknote processing machine 11 is a so-calledbanknote changer for a cash register which is connected to, for example,a POS cash register to automatically perform depositing and dispensingof banknotes and in which banknotes for replenishment are put byspecified clerks.

A depositing unit 13, in which a plurality of banknotes to be depositedor banknotes for replenishment can be put collectively, a dispensingunit 14 for dispensing banknotes and an operation unit 15, with which anoperator performs a predetermined operation, are disposed at a frontface side of a unit body 12 of the banknote processing machine 11.Additionally, a reject box 16 for storing rejected banknotes recognized,for example, in dispensing and a collection cassette 17 for storingbanknotes to be collected from the unit body 12 are disposed drawablefrom the unit body 12.

A transport unit 18 for transporting banknotes is formed in the unitbody 12, and a recognition unit 19 for recognizing an authenticity ordenomination of a banknote is disposed on the transport unit 18.

The transport unit 18 transports banknotes separated one by one andtaken in from the depositing unit 13, and transports the correspondingbanknotes to the dispensing unit 14, reject box 16 and collectioncassette 17.

Denomination-specific storing portions 20 for storing banknotes for eachdenomination are disposed in the unit body 12, and banknotes canenter/exit each storing portion 20 into/from the transport unit 18.

The banknote processing machine 11 includes a controlling unit 21 forcontrolling the banknote processing machine 11, and the controlling unit21 is connected to a higher-ranking machine 22 such as a POS cashregister and controls the banknote processing machine 11 based oninstructions from the higher-ranking machine 22. An authorizationchecking unit 23 for checking authorization of an operator is connectedto the higher-ranking machine 22. In a check by the authorizationchecking unit 23, the following checks are involved: a knowledge checkon a personal code number, password or the like; a possession check on amode change key, magnetic card, IC card or the like; and a living bodycheck containing body recognition on a fingerprint, face or the like,and action recognition on signing, vocalizing or the like.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the unit body 12 of the banknoteprocessing machine 11 is vertically constituted, and the depositing unit13, the dispensing unit 14, a mode key 24 and the collection cassette 17are disposed, in this order from its upper side, at the front face sideof the unit body 12. A drawer unit including the units disposed at thefront face side of the unit body 12 and mechanisms arranged in the unitbody 12, etc., is constituted drawable forward in relation to the unitbody 12.

An inlet 13 a, in which a plurality of banknotes to be dispensed orbanknotes for replenishment can be put collectively, is formed in thedepositing unit 13, and an outlet 14 a for dispensing banknotes isformed in the dispensing unit 14.

The mode key 24 is operated by a key used by an operator, manager or thelike having authorization, and switching can be made between anoperation mode for performing general transactions, a management modefor performing collection of banknotes, etc., a maintenance mode fordrawing the drawer unit from the unit body 12 and performingtroubleshooting, and the like. The mode key 24 is set to the maintenancemode, the drawer unit is drawn from the unit body 12, and thus thereject box 16 can be attached to/detached from the drawer unit throughits side and a banknote jam, etc., can be removed.

The collection cassette 17 is drawable forward in relation to the unitbody 12 and automatically locked/unlocked by a locking mechanism (notshown) with the cassette 17 attached to the unit body 12. The collectioncassette 17 is usually locked to the unit body 12, and the collectioncassette 17 can be unlocked and drawn when being filled with banknotesto be collected in collecting in the management mode or when collectionof banknotes is finished.

The operation unit 15 is disposed behind the depositing unit 13 on anupper face of the unit body 12, and various operation buttons 15 a and adisplay unit 15 b are provided in the operation unit 15.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, an inlet portion 27 having abottom portion 25 and both side portions 26 erect from both sides of thebottom portion 25 is formed in the depositing unit 13, a front face andupper face of the inlet portion 27 are opened, and banknotes can be putin the portion 27 in a longitudinal direction of a banknote that is aputting-in direction.

An upper face guide 28 facing an upper part of the bottom portion 25 isdisposed at an entrance portion of the transport unit 18 connected tothe inlet 13 a. An interval between the upper face guide 28 and bottomportion 25 in a put-in banknote thickness direction is formed widely, onthe inlet 13 a side of the upper face guide 28, so that a plurality ofbanknotes can be put in collectively, and is formed narrowly on thedepth side of the upper face guide 28.

A feeding mechanism 29 for separating and feeding banknotes put in theinlet 13 a into the transport unit 18 one by one is disposed near aposition where the interval between the bottom portion 25 and upper faceguide 28 in the put-in banknote thickness direction becomes narrow. Thefeeding mechanism 29 includes a feeding roller 30 which is disposed onthe bottom portion 25 side and feeds the last banknote placed on thebottom portion 25 into the transport unit 18, and a reverse rotationroller 31 which is disposed on the upper face guide 28 side and preventsupper banknotes from being fed together with the last banknote.

A putting-in sensor 32 as a banknote putting-in detecting unit fordetecting banknotes put in the inlet 13 a is disposed on the depositingunit 13. A tracking sensor 33 as a banknote passage detecting unit fordetecting passage of a banknote fed into the transport unit 18 one byone by the feeding mechanism 29 is formed on the transport unit 18.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an opening regulating member 37is attachable to/detachable from the depositing unit 13. An opening sizeof the inlet 13 a in the put-in banknote thickness direction is anopening size for putting banknotes in one by one by attaching theopening regulating member 37 to the depositing unit 13, and is anopening size for putting banknotes in collectively by detaching theopening regulating member 37 from the depositing unit 13. The openingregulating member 37 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped boxshape, and both sides thereof are removably attached, from above, togroove portions 38 formed in the both side portions 26 of the inletportion 27. The opening regulating member 37 is located at a position ofthe opening size for putting banknotes in one by one with the openingregulating member 37 attached to the groove units 38 of the inletportion 27, and an interval between a guide face 39 formed in a lowerface of the opening regulating member 37 and the bottom portion 25corresponds to the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one. Atilt face 40 for guiding put-in banknotes onto the lower side of theguide face 39 is formed at the front side of the guide face 39.

A fixing unit 41 is provided which fixes the opening regulating member37 to the position of the opening size for putting banknotes in one byone. The fixing unit 41 includes a locking unit 42 capable of fixing theopening regulating member 37 to the position of the opening size forputting banknotes in one by one in relation to the inlet portion 27 onthe unit body 12 side, and a keying unit 43 for operating the lockingunit 42 into a fixing state and a fixation releasing state.

The locking unit 42 has a locking body 44 disposed at the center of anupper part of the opening regulating member 37. The corresponding keyingunit 43 is insertably/detachably inserted into the locking body 44 sothat the locking body 44 can be turnably operated between a fixingposition and a fixation releasing position. A lever 45 for swinging inaccordance with turning operation of the locking body 44 to the fixingposition and fixation releasing position is disposed at a position ofthe locking body 44. Both side fixing members 46 capable ofentering/exiting the opening regulating member 37 from its sides aredisposed at both sides of the opening regulating member 37, and bothsides of the lever 45 are connected to the fixing members 46 throughlinks 47 respectively. A plurality of long holes 49 provided in thefixing members 46 are engaged with a plurality of pins 48 provided onthe opening regulating member 37 side, and each fixing member 46 moveswith turning of the locking body 44 to the fixing position and fixationreleasing position and can be slid between a fixing position where thefixing member 46 projects from the side of the opening regulating member37 and a fixation releasing position where the fixing member 46 retractsinto the side of the opening regulating member 37.

The keying unit 43 is used by an operator, manager or the like havingauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively.

Additionally, fixing grooves 50, into/from the fixing members 46entering/exiting the opening regulating member 37 from its both sidescan advance/retreat, are formed at the position of the opening size forputting banknotes in one by one, where both the sides of the openingregulating member 37 are fitted in the groove portions 38, in innerwalls of the groove portions 38 at both sides of the inlet portion 27.

Additionally, an opening regulating member position detecting unit (notshown) is provided which detects that the opening regulating member 37is located at the position of the opening size for putting banknotes inone by one.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the following units are connected tothe controlling unit 21: the storing portion 20 including a mechanismfor storing banknotes, etc., the transport unit 18 including atransporting mechanism; the recognition unit 19 for recognizingbanknotes; the operation unit 15 including a switch to bepush-down-operated, etc., the depositing unit 13 including the feedingmechanism, sensors 32 and 33, etc., the dispensing unit 14 including amechanism for dispensing banknotes, a sensor for detecting dispensedbanknotes, etc., a reject unit 53 including a mechanism for detectingattachment of the reject box 16, a mechanism for feeding rejectedbanknotes to the reject box 16, etc., and a collecting unit 54 includinga mechanism for detecting attachment of the collection cassette 17, amechanism for feeding banknotes to be collected to the collectioncassette 17, and the controlling unit 21 controls the whole banknoteprocessing machine 11 including these units.

When it is checked that an operator has no authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively by the authorization checking unit 23 forchecking whether an operator has authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, the controlling unit 21 operates the feeding mechanism 29(see FIG. 3) if the opening regulating member position detecting unit(not shown) detects the opening regulating member 37, and does notoperate the feeding mechanism 29 (see FIG. 3) if the opening regulatingmember position detecting unit (not shown) does not detect the openingregulating member 37.

Next, operation of the banknote processing machine 11 of the embodimentwill be described.

Basic operation of the banknote processing machine 11 will be firstdescribed with reference to FIG. 5.

In depositing, when the putting-in sensor 32 detects banknotes are putin the depositing unit 13, the feeding mechanism 29 (see FIG. 3) isoperated by the controlling unit 21 to separate and feed the banknotesput in the depositing unit 13 to the transport unit 18 one by one, andthe banknotes in the transport unit 18 are transported.

The banknotes transported in the transport unit 18 are recognized by therecognition unit 19. By the controlling unit 21, a banknote recognizedas a normal banknote is stored in the storing portion 20 correspondingto the denomination of the banknote, and a banknote recognized as arejected banknote is transported to the dispensing unit 14 and returned.

Data of the depositing amount recognized by the recognition unit 19 istransmitted to the higher-ranking machine 22.

In dispensing, by the controlling unit 21, banknotes to be dispensedbased on a dispensing instruction from the higher-ranking machine 22 arefed from the storing portion 20 to the transport unit 18 one by one andrecognized by the recognition unit 19, a banknote recognized as a normalbanknote is transported to the dispensing unit 14, and a banknoterecognized as a rejected banknote is transported to the reject box 16and collected.

In replenishing, when the putting-in sensor 32 detects banknotes are putin the depositing unit 13, the feeding mechanism 29 is operated by thecontrolling unit 21 to separate and feed the banknotes put in thedepositing unit 13 to the transport unit 18 one by one, and thebanknotes in the transport unit 18 are transported.

The banknotes transported in the transport unit 18 are recognized by therecognition unit 19. By the controlling unit 21, a banknote recognizedas a normal banknote is stored in the storing portion 20 correspondingto the denomination of the banknote, and a banknote recognized as arejected banknote is transported to the dispensing unit 14 and returned.

By the controlling unit 21, data of the replenishment amount recognizedby the recognition unit 19 is transmitted to the higher-ranking machine22.

In collecting, based on a collecting instruction from the higher-rankingmachine 22, all banknotes stored in the storing portion 20 aretransported and shifted to the collection cassette 17 by the controllingunit 21.

Next, operation for each banknote putting-in mode will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1( b), when an operator unused to the operation (anoperator having no authorization for putting banknotes in collectively)uses the banknote processing machine 11, a banknote putting-in one byone mode is adopted. In the banknotes putting-in one by one mode, theopening regulating member 37 is fitted into the groove portions 38 ofthe inlet portion 27, the locking body 44 is turned to the fixingposition, the both side fixing members 46 enter the fixing grooves 50 ofthe groove portions 38 of the inlet portion 27, and the openingregulating member 37 is fixed to the inlet portion 27. In this fixedstate, the opening regulating member 37 is located at the position ofthe opening size for putting banknotes in one by one, the intervalbetween the guide face 39 of the lower face of the opening regulatingmember 37 and the bottom portion 25 corresponds to the opening size forputting banknotes in one by one.

Thus, the operator unused to the operation puts banknotes in the inlet13 a one by one, banknotes are prevented from being put in collectively,and a banknote jam in the feeding mechanism 29 or transport unit 18 canbe reduced.

In the banknote putting-in one by one mode, since the operator unused tothe operation does not have the keying unit 43, the mode cannot bechanged to a banknote putting-in collectively mode and the banknoteputting-in one by one mode is reliably kept.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1( a), an operator having authorizationfor putting banknotes in collectively inserts the owned keying unit 43into the locking body 44 of the opening regulating member 37 andturn-operates the locking body 44 from the fixing position to thefixation releasing position when putting in a plurality of banknotes forreplenishment. The both side fixing members 46 are detached from thefixing grooves 50 of the groove portions 38 of the inlet portion 27 inaccordance with this operation, and fixation of the opening regulatingmember 37 is released. The released opening regulating member 37 istaken out from the inlet portion 27, and thus the opening size of theinlet 13 a in the put-in banknote thickness direction is the openingsize for putting banknotes in collectively.

Therefore, the operator having authorization for putting banknotes incollectively can collectively put a plurality of banknotes in the inlet13 a. Then, in the banknote processing machine 11, by the controllingunit 21, a replenishment process for separating and taking in banknotesput in the inlet 13 a one by one is automatically performed until theputting-in sensor 32 does not detect the banknotes put in the inlet 13a. The operator can perform other work parallel with the replenishmentprocess, and efficiency in banknote replenishment can be improved.

Since the opening regulating member 37 for setting the opening size ofthe inlet 13 a in the put-in banknote thickness direction to the openingsize for putting banknotes in one by one and opening size for puttingbanknotes in collectively can be thus fixed to the position of theopening size for putting banknotes in one by one by the fixing member46, setting of the position of the opening regulating member 37 to theposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in collectively canbe reliably regulated. Thus, in the case of an operator unused to theoperation, the banknote putting-in one by one mode is adopted and abanknote jam in depositing can be reduced, in the case of an operatorhaving authorization for putting banknotes in collectively forperforming banknote replenishment, the banknote putting-in collectivelymode is adopted and the efficiency in banknote replenishment can beimproved.

Additionally, authorization of an operator can be pre-checked by theauthorization checking unit 23 before the operator operates the banknoteprocessing machine 11.

When it is checked that an operator has no authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively, if the opening regulating member positiondetecting unit (not shown) detects the opening regulating member 37, thefeeding mechanism 29 is operated to feed one banknote to the transportunit 18, and if the opening regulating member position detecting unit(not shown) does not detect the opening regulating member 37, forexample, due to the fact that the operator forgets to attach the openingregulating member 37 to the inlet portion 27 after the replenishmentprocess, the feeding mechanism 29 is not operated and a banknote jam dueto putting banknotes in collectively can be prevented.

When it is checked that an operator has authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively, even if the opening regulating memberposition detecting unit (not shown) does not detect the openingregulating member 37, the feeding mechanism 29 is operated until theputting-in sensor 32 does not detect banknotes put in the inlet 13 a.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 7.

In this embodiment, the opening regulating member 37 is, swingably inrelation to the inlet portion 27, provided between the position of theopening size for putting banknotes in one by one and the position of theopening size for putting banknotes in collectively.

By this constitution, the same effect as that of the above embodimentcan be obtained, and further it can be easily checked which is adopted,the banknote putting-in one by one mode or banknote putting-incollectively mode, and furthermore, damage and loss due to dropping ofthe opening regulating member 37 can be prevented since the openingregulating member 37 is not detached from the inlet portion 27.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 8.

In this third embodiment, similar to the above embodiments, an openingregulating member 37 is, swingably in relation to the inlet portion 27,provided between the position of the opening size for putting banknotesin one by one and the position of the opening size for putting banknotesin collectively.

The opening regulating member 37 has an approximately L-shaped crosssection. One end thereof is pivotally supported by a shaft 61 so thatthe member 37 is swingable in relation to the inlet portion 27. Theother end thereof can enter/exit the inlet 13 a from above. The openingsize of the inlet 13 a in the put-in banknote thickness direction can beset to the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one and theopening size for putting banknotes in collectively. A tilt face 62 isformed at the other end of the opening regulating member 37, the tiltface 62 guiding put-in banknotes to a space between the openingregulating member 37 and bottom portion 25 when the opening regulatingmember 37 is located at the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one.

The opening regulating member 37 is biased to the upper position of theopening size for putting banknotes in collectively for opening the inlet13 a by a twist spring 63 as a biasing unit attached to the shaft 61.

The fixing unit 41 includes a solenoid 64 as a driving unit and a fixingmember 65 such as a rod for fixing the opening regulating member 37 tothe position of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one inaccordance with action of the solenoid 64. When the solenoid 64 isturned off, the fixing member 65 projects to a fixing position, wherethe opening regulating member 37 is fixed to the position of the openingsize for putting banknotes in one by one, by biasing of a spring 66 as abiasing unit. When the solenoid 64 is turned on, the fixing member 65retreats to a fixation releasing position, where fixation of the openingregulating member 37 is released, against the biasing of the spring 66.Moreover, a fixing hole, with which the fixing member 65 is engaged atthe position of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one, isprovided in the opening regulating member 37.

Additionally, the controlling unit 21 releases the fixation of theopening regulating member 37 and can set the position of the openingregulating member 37 to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in collectively when it is checked an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively by the authorizationchecking unit 23 for checking whether an operator has authorization forputting banknotes in collectively.

When authorization of an operator is checked and the operator is checkedas an operator having no authorization for putting banknotes incollectively by the authorization checking unit 23, a state, where thebanknote putting-in one by one mode is pre-adopted, is kept by thecontrolling unit 21 as shown in FIG. 8( a). In the banknote putting-inone by one mode, the solenoid 64 is turned off, and the fixing member 65is, by the biasing of the spring 66, in a state of fixing the openingregulating member 37 to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one. Thus, the operator having no authorization forputting banknotes in collectively cannot open the opening regulatingmember 37 fixed to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one and cannot change the banknote putting-in one byone mode to the banknote putting-in collectively mode, and the banknoteputting-in one by one mode is reliably kept.

Additionally, when authorization of an operator is checked and theoperator is checked as an operator having authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively by the authorization checking unit 23, thesolenoid 64 is temporarily turned on, the fixing member 65 is detachedfrom the opening regulating member 37 to release the fixation of theopening regulating member 37, by the controlling unit 21, as shown inFIG. 8( b). Thus, the opening regulating member 37 is automaticallyopened to the upper position of the opening size for putting banknotesin collectively by biasing of the twist spring 63. Therefore, theoperator having authorization for putting banknotes in collectively cancollectively put a plurality of banknotes in the inlet 13 a withoutopening the opening regulating member 37. Moreover, when it is checkedthat an operator has authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, the solenoid 64 may be automatically turned on, or may beturned on based on an instruction on collectively putting-in byoperation of the operation unit 15. When the operation unit 15 isoperated, the solenoid 64 is turned on based on an instruction from thehigher-ranking machine 22 by selecting, for example, an item of puttingbanknotes in collectively for replenishment, etc., or an item ofdirectly opening the opening regulating member 37 with the operationunit 15.

When the solenoid 64 is temporarily turned on and then turned off, thefixing member 65 projects to the opening regulating member 37 by thebiasing of the spring 66.

An operator having authorization for putting banknotes in collectivelyreturns the opening regulating member 37 to the lower position of theopening size for putting banknotes in one by one manually after thebanknote replenishment process. When the opening regulating member 37 ismoved to the position of the opening size for putting banknotes in oneby one, the fixing member 65 is engaged and fixed with the openingregulating member 37 by the biasing of the spring 66.

As described above, when it is checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, the openingregulating member 37 can be automatically fixed to the position of theopening size for putting banknotes in one by one or fixation of theopening regulating member 37 to the position can be automaticallyreleased.

Additionally, also in this case, when it is checked that an operator hasno authorization for putting banknotes in collectively, the feedingmechanism 29 is operated and one banknote is fed to the transport unit18 if the opening regulating member position detecting unit (not shown)detects the opening regulating member 37 which is located at theposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one, andthe feeding mechanism 29 is not operated and the banknote jam due toputting banknotes in collectively can be prevented if the openingregulating member position detecting unit (not shown) does not detectthe opening regulating member 37, for example, due to the fact that theoperator forgets to return the opening regulating member 37 to theposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one afterthe replenishment process.

When it is checked that an operator has authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively, the feeding mechanism 29 is operated untilthe putting-in sensor 32 does not detect banknotes put in the inlet 13a, even if the opening regulating member position detecting unit (notshown) does not detect the opening regulating member 37.

Moreover, the released opening regulating member 37 may be openedmanually without using the twist spring 63.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 9.

In this embodiment, an opening regulating member 37 is moved parallelwith the put-in banknote thickness direction of the inlet 13 a, and thusa position of the opening regulating member 37 can be set to theposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one and theposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in collectively.

The opening regulating member 37 is formed in a block shape, a guideface 39 constituting the inlet 13 a between the guide face 39 and bottomportion 25 is formed in a lower face of the opening regulating member37, and a tilt face 40 for guiding put-in banknotes onto the lower sideof the guide face 39 is formed at the front side of the guide face 39.

A cover 69 is disposed at an upper face of the inlet portion 27, a screwshaft 70 having an axis, which is parallel with the put-in banknotethickness direction by the cover 69 and bottom portion 25, is rotatablydisposed, and the opening regulating member 37 is screw-engaged with thescrew shaft 70. The screw shaft 70 is forward/reversely rotationallydriven by a motor 71 as a driving unit, and the opening regulatingmember 37 is moved between the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one and the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in collectively through the screw-engagement of the screwshaft 70 and opening regulating member 37.

Additionally, when it is checked that an operator has authorization forputting banknotes in collectively by the authorization checking unit 23for checking whether an operator has authorization for putting banknotesin collectively, the controlling unit 21 controls a motor 71 to shiftthe opening regulating member 37 from the position of the opening sizefor putting banknotes in one by one to the position of the opening sizefor putting banknotes in collectively.

When authorization of an operator is checked and the operator is checkedas an operator having no authorization for putting banknotes incollectively by the authorization checking unit 23, a state, where thebanknote putting-in one by one mode is pre-adopted, is kept by thecontrolling unit 21 as shown in FIG. 9( a). In the banknote putting-inone by one mode, the motor 71 is turned off, and the opening regulatingmember 37 is fixed to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one. Thus, the operator having no authorization forputting banknotes in collectively cannot move the opening regulatingmember 37 fixed to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one upward and cannot change the banknote putting-inone by one mode to the banknote putting-in collectively mode, and thebanknote putting-in one by one mode is reliably kept.

Additionally, when authorization of an operator is checked and theoperator is checked as an operator having authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively by the authorization checking unit 23, themotor 71 is driven and the opening regulating member 37 is automaticallymoved to the upper position of the opening size for putting banknotes incollectively by the controlling unit 21, as shown in FIG. 9( b).Therefore, the operator having authorization for putting banknotes incollectively can collectively put a plurality of banknotes in the inlet13 a without operation of, for example, opening the opening regulatingmember 37. Moreover, when it is checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, the motor 71 may beautomatically driven, or may be driven based on an instruction ofputting-in collectively by operation of the operation unit 15. When theoperation unit 15 is operated, the motor 71 is driven based on aninstruction from the higher-ranking machine 22 and the openingregulating member 37 is raised by selecting, for example, an item ofputting-in collectively for banknote replenishment, etc., or an item ofdirectly opening the opening regulating member 37 by the operation unit15.

Additionally, when authorization of an operator is checked and theoperator is checked as an operator having no authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively by the authorization checking unit 23, themotor 71 is driven and the opening regulating member 37 is automaticallymoved to the lower position of the opening size for putting banknotes inone by one, by the controlling unit 21, as shown in FIG. 9( a). Thus, inthe case of an operator having no authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, the banknote putting-in one by one mode is reliablyautomatically adopted.

As described above, when it is checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, the openingregulating member 37 can be automatically moved to the position of theopening size for putting banknotes in collectively, and when it ischecked that an operator has no authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, the opening regulating member 37 can be automaticallymoved and fixed to the position of the opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 10.

In this embodiment, the controlling unit 21 performs control inaccordance with the banknote putting-in collectively mode or banknoteputting-in one by one mode in the mechanism of the above embodimentshown in FIG. 9.

The opening regulating member 37 and the putting-in sensor 32 fordetecting banknotes put in the inlet 13 a are disposed on the depositingunit 13. The feeding mechanism 29 for feeding banknotes put in the inlet13 a into the transport unit 18 one by one and the tracking sensor 33for detecting passage of a banknote fed into the transport unit 18 oneby one by the feeding mechanism 29 are disposed on the transport unit18.

When it is checked that an operator has authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively by the authorization checking unit 23 forchecking whether an operator has authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, the controlling unit 21 operates the feeding mechanism 29until the putting-in sensor 32 detects no banknote. When it is checkedthat an operator has no authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, the controlling unit 21 operates the feeding mechanism 29,then stops the feeding mechanism 29 if the tracking sensor 33 detectspassage of one banknote, and thereafter operates the feeding mechanism29 if the putting-in sensor 32 re-detects a banknote after banknotedetection is stopped.

That is, in the case where it is checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively by the authorizationchecking unit 23, when the putting-in sensor 32 detects banknotes areput in the inlet 13 a, the feeding mechanism 29 is operated to feedbanknotes put in the inlet 13 a to the transport unit 18 one by one, andcontinuously operated until the putting-in sensor 32 detects nobanknote. Thus, in the case of an operator used to the operation ofbanknote replenishment and having authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, the banknote putting-in collectively mode is adopted andthe efficiency in banknote replenishment can be improved.

In the case where it is checked that an operator has no authorizationfor putting banknotes in collectively by the authorization checking unit23, the feeding mechanism 29 is operated when the putting-in sensor 32detects banknotes put in the inlet 13 a, and temporarily stopped whenthe tracking sensor 33 detects passage of one banknote. Thus, in thecase of an operator unused to the operation and having no authorizationfor putting banknotes in collectively, the banknote jam in depositingcan be reliably reduced, because the banknote putting-in one by one modeis mechanically adopted by movement of the opening regulating member 37to the position of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by oneand further controlledly adopted since only one banknote is fed to thetransport unit 18 even if a plurality of banknotes are collectively putin the inlet 13 a.

Since the controlling unit 21 temporarily stops operation of the feedingmechanism 29 when the tracking sensor 33 on the transport unit 18detects passage of one banknote, and then operates the feeding mechanism29 as described above if the putting-in sensor 32 detects a banknotere-put in the inlet 13 a by an operator after the operator has taken outbanknotes remaining in the inlet 13 a and the putting-in sensor 32 hasdetected no banknote, one banknote can be further fed to the transportunit 18 by re-putting-in a banknote.

Moreover, such control of the controlling unit 21 in accordance with thebanknote putting-in collectively mode and banknote putting-in one by onemode can be applied to all embodiments, and the same effect can beobtained.

The banknote putting-in one by one mode is mechanically and controlledlyadopted and the banknote jam in depositing can be reliably reduced byapplying such control of the controlling unit 21 in accordance with thebanknote putting-in collectively mode and banknote putting-in one by onemode to the constitution including the opening regulating member 37 ofeach above embodiment. However, even if such control is applied to aconstitution not including the opening regulating member 37, thebanknote putting-in one by one mode is adopted and the banknote jam indepositing can be reduced.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment.

The bottom portion 25 of the inlet portion 27 is tilted upward to thefront of the inlet 13 a, a plurality of groove portions 81 arejuxtaposed at a front end of the bottom portion 25 in a width directionof the inlet 13 a, and a tilt face 82 tilted downward forward is formedat a bottom of each groove unit 81.

An opening regulating member 37 is disposed opposite the bottom portion25 of the inlet portion 27, and a front end of the opening regulatingmember 37 is arranged above a portion between a rear end and front endof the tilt face 82.

By this constitution, even if liquid is dropped onto the inlet portion27, the liquid dropped onto or in front of the opening regulating member37 is dropped onto the tilt faces 82 to be discharged forward, and canbe prevented from entering the inlet 13 a. Thus, a bad influence on thefeeding mechanism 29, transporting mechanism of the transport unit 18,etc., due to entrance of liquid to the inlet 13 a can be prevented.

Moreover, the opening regulating member 37 of each of the aboveembodiments can be turned or moved in an up and down direction.Additionally, the bottom portion 25 of the inlet portion 27 may not onlybe tilted upward to the front of the inlet 13 a but made horizontal.

Although the authorization checking unit 23 is a single unit andconnected to the higher-ranking machine 22 as shown in FIG. 5, it may bebuilt in the higher-ranking machine 22, may be a single unit andconnected to both the higher-ranking machine 22 and banknote processingmachine 11, or may be built in the banknote processing machine 11.

Although the operation unit 15 is provided in the banknote processingmachine 11, it may be provided in the higher-ranking machine 22, may beprovided separately from the banknote processing machine 11 andhigher-ranking machine 22 and connected to the banknote processingmachine 11 or higher-ranking machine 22.

The present invention is applied not only to a self-registration systemwith which a customer performs commodity registration and adjustment, aself-settlement system with which a customer performs adjustment and acash register, but also to a banknote processing machine having abanknote depositing function, etc.

1. A banknote processing machine comprising: an inlet in which aplurality of banknotes can be put collectively; an opening regulatingmember setting an opening size of the inlet in a put-in banknotethickness direction to at least one of an opening size for puttingbanknotes in one by one and an opening size for putting banknotes incollectively; and a fixing unit fixing the opening regulating member toa position of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one. 2.The banknote processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the fixingunit includes a locking unit fixing the opening regulating member to theposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in one by one, and akeying unit operating the locking unit into a fixing state and afixation releasing state.
 3. The banknote processing machine accordingto claim 1, wherein the fixing unit releases fixation of the openingregulating member and sets a position of the opening regulating memberto a position of the opening size for putting banknotes in collectivelywhen it is checked that an operator has authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively by an authorization checking unit checkingwhether an operator has authorization for putting banknotes incollectively.
 4. The banknote processing machine according to claim 1,wherein the fixing unit releases fixation of the opening regulatingmember and sets a position of the opening regulating member to aposition of the opening size for putting banknotes in collectively whenan operation unit issuing an instruction of putting banknotes incollectively is operated after it has been checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively by an authorizationchecking unit for checking whether an operator has authorization forputting banknotes in collectively.
 5. The banknote processing machineaccording to claim 3, wherein the opening regulating member is movablyprovided between the position of the opening size for putting banknotesin one by one and the position of the opening size for putting banknotesin collectively, and the fixing unit includes a fixing member fixing theopening regulating member to the position of the opening size forputting banknotes in one by one, and a driving unit for moving thefixing member to a fixing position and a fixation releasing position ofthe opening regulating member.
 6. The banknote processing machineaccording to claim 2, comprising: a feeding mechanism separating andfeeding banknotes put in the inlet to a transport unit one by one; anopening regulating member position detecting unit detecting that theopening regulating member is located at the position of the opening sizefor putting banknotes in one by one; and a controlling unit which, whenit is checked that an operator has no authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively by an authorization checking unit for checkingwhether an operator has authorization for putting banknotes incollectively, operates the feeding mechanism if the opening regulatingmember position detecting unit detects the opening regulating member,and does not operate the feeding mechanism if the opening regulatingmember position detecting unit does not detect the opening regulatingmember.
 7. The banknote processing machine according to claim 3, furthercomprising a controlling unit which controls the driving unit to movethe opening regulating member to at least one of the position of theopening size for putting banknotes in one by one and the position of theopening size for putting banknotes in collectively, wherein the openingregulating member is movable in a put-in banknote thickness direction ofthe inlet, and the fixing unit includes a driving unit moving theopening regulating member in the put-in banknote thickness direction ofthe inlet.
 8. The banknote processing machine according to claim 1,further comprising: a banknote putting-in detecting unit detectingbanknotes put in the inlet; a feeding mechanism separating and feedingbanknotes put in the inlet to a transport unit one by one; a banknotepassage detecting unit detecting passage of a banknote fed to thetransport unit by the feeding mechanism; and a controlling unit whichoperates the feeding mechanism until the banknote putting-in detectingunit detects no banknote in the case where it is checked that anoperator has authorization for putting banknotes in collectively by anauthorization checking unit for checking whether an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively, and operates thefeeding mechanism and then stops operation of the feeding mechanism whenthe banknote passage detecting unit detects passage of one banknote inthe case where it is checked that an operator has no authorization forputting banknotes in collectively.
 9. A banknote processing machinecomprising: an inlet in which a plurality of banknotes can be putcollectively; a banknote putting-in detecting unit detecting banknotesput in the inlet; a feeding mechanism separating and feeding banknotesput in the inlet to a transport unit one by one; a banknote passagedetecting unit for detecting passage of a banknote fed to the transportunit by the feeding mechanism; and a controlling unit which operates thefeeding mechanism until the banknote putting-in detecting unit detectsno banknote in the case where it is checked that an operator hasauthorization for putting banknotes in collectively by an authorizationchecking unit for checking whether an operator has authorization forputting banknotes in collectively, and operates the feeding mechanismand then stops operation of the feeding mechanism when the banknotepassage detecting unit detects passage of one banknote in the case whereit is checked that an operator has no authorization for puttingbanknotes in collectively.
 10. The banknote processing machine accordingto claim 8, wherein the controlling unit, in the case where it ischecked that an operator has no authorization for putting banknotes incollectively by the authorization checking unit, stops operation of thefeeding mechanism when the banknote passage detecting unit detectspassage of a banknote, and thereafter operates the feeding mechanism ifthe banknote putting-in detecting unit re-detects a banknote afterbanknote detection is stopped.